Related Links

PANGBURN, Ark. (KTHV) -- The convicted murderer who escaped prison three days ago is back in custody.

Arkansas Department of Correction spokeswoman Shea Wilson originally said Curtis Reese Jr. was caught in White County. She later said he was found in "good condition" about two miles inside Cleburne County, which borders White, near Pangburn. He was located in a deep crevice just big enough for him to get inside.

Authorities think Reese may have had help from someone to get to the Pangburn area, but they aren't sure who the accomplice may have been.

Reese is serving 40 years in prison for a murder that happened in Saline County, and Wilson says authorities expect him to be charged with second degree escape, which could land him another 10 years. The charge is second degree escape because he did not harm anyone while on the loose, which would constitute first degree escape.

Wilson said he has been taken to Varner Supermax in Lincoln County due to his escape status.

Wilson told THV 11 News that part of the investigation into how Reese escaped will have to do with understanding how he did not get counted for, as authorities conduct inmate counts all throughout the day.

A total of 50 officers from ADC, State Police, and the U.S. Marshals assisted in capturing Reese.